Fears of bullying as shops extend hours for Games
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.More than one million shop and distribution workers face being "bullied" by big retailers that extend Sunday opening hours during the London Olympics and Paralympics, the GMB union has warned.
The Government has invited the GMB to talks today over pay and working hours during the games. However, the union is set to snub Business minister Mark Prisk's invitation, blasting it "a sham consultation" that is taking place after the Government had already decided to suspend Sunday trading laws for eight weeks this summer.
The Coalition announced the move only last month and is rushing a Bill through Parliament so Sunday opening hours are relaxed just ahead of the Games on 22 July. The GMB wants "Olympic premium" pay for those required to work longer, particularly in London.
There are also claims that staff will be pressured into working longer shifts. The GMB is calling for a system that will ensure that anyone working additional hours during the Olympics will have done so on a voluntary basis.
Gary Smith, GMB National Secretary for retail, said: "There is no recognition of the disruption that extending opening hours will have on well over a million shop and distribution workers across the country. We're concerned that they will be bullied into working and where's the fairness?
"Retailers will be making so much money and workers should share in that. We're not even going to waste our time talking to Prisk."
Shadow Business Secretary Chuka Umunna said: "This has been handled spectacularly badly by the Government. They introduced this Bill so late – they had plenty of warning that the Games were coming."
A spokeswoman for the Business Department said ministers were looking to ensure employees were treated fairly. She added: "The GMB has raised some valid concerns about the Sunday Trading Laws Suspension, which is why government is holding discussions with the unions, retailers and employers' groups before the second reading of the Bill."
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments